Showing 1-96 of 112 items found in Events

The Chicago Flower & Garden Show brings springtime to winter with its 20 lush gardens, beautiful and fragrant flowers, trees and other plants allowing “newbie” gardeners and experts alike to experience the latest the industry has to offer. Top garden builders create fresh designs, while nationally-known presenters teach visitors how to get that professional garden look. It's all happening at the Chicago Flower & Garden Show. Be among the first to see new plant varieties for 2017 and experience the newly-redesigned Navy Pier. Enjoy art, free kids activities, wine tastings, cooking demos from noted chefs, and a shopper's paradise of garden gadgets, jewelry, and more. Special rates available for groups.

The Christkindlmarket is a four-week, open-air market modeled after the famous Nuremberg Christmas market dating back to 1545. The market offers shopping opportunities and serves as a winter wonderland meeting place for family and friends. Plus, enjoy German delicacies like brats, goulash and potato pancakes while you’re there.

Halloween fun awaits families at Brookfield Zoo’s annual Boo! at the Zoo celebration. The popular daytime event, presented by Fisher-Price, features a Costume Parade, Costume Showcase, professional pumpkin-carving demonstrations, not-so-scary games and activities, special animal Zoo Chats, and haunted hayrides. For more information, visit www.CZS.org or call (708) 688-8000.

Enter a winter wonderland illuminated by the laughter of children and more than one million lights at Lincoln Park Zoo’s annual ZooLights. This holiday classic has become one of the Windy City’s must-see seasonal events. Join us for the brilliance of this fun, free, family-oriented holiday celebration, featuring luminous displays and holiday-season activities throughout zoo grounds. Animal exhibits stay open late as guests roam taking in the lights, music and taking photos with Santa. Prepare holiday crafts and enjoy the zoo’s incredible animals immersed in an atmosphere unlike any other.

As is tradition, the museum's 45-foot Grand Tree takes center stage in the Rotunda decked out in 30,000 lights. It takes on a different theme each year so expect giant gears to be part of the decor to match the special MSI exhibit, Robot Revolution. Surrounding it will be more than 50 smaller trees beautifully decorated by volunteers from Chicago communities to represent their various cultures and holiday traditions. The occasional falling of "snow" adds to the fun. . New this year, and in conjunction with MSI’s Brick by Brick exhibit, guests can create their own holiday trinket to remember their visit—a LEGO® ornament.

Holly Days, sponsored by the Warrenville Park District is the City's annual holiday celebration that marks Santa's official entry into Warrenville. Guests can enjoy a warm bonfire, raffles, free horse and carriage rides, hot cider and cookies, and, of course, a visit with Santa. Local Park District and school dance troops, singers, and bands entertain attendees during the event. It is at this event that Warrenville officially turns on its holiday lights creating an array of colors for passersby along Route 56 to see. Holly Days, primarily for Warrenville residents, gives the community an opportunity to come together and kick off the holiday season.

One of the largest free outdoor holiday light displays in Northern Illinois, the Festival of Lights, returns with dazzling displays that will delight both adults and children. Enjoy the magic! This year features a 20’ tall “singing” Christmas tree. This signature winter event is a drive-through of more than one mile of spectacular lighted displays, many of which are animated, and are illuminated by tens of thousands of bulbs. Staged at Aurora's gem, Phillips Park, the festival will be open from 5 - 9 pm Sundays through Thursdays and 5 - 10 pm Fridays and Saturdays. Presented by the Aurora Rotary Club in partnership with the City of Aurora, Free: donations encouraged.

Illumination is where lights meet nature, harnessing technology to draw attention to the beauty of trees in the winter months. Immerse yourself in a symphony of music and light at our interactive experience of dazzling projections, sweeping lights, sparkling chandeliers, and lilting melodies on a mile-long walk through the Arboretum.

Take a self-guided tour of public art from June 2 to September 2 as part of the 2nd annual Sculpture Walk in downtown Oak Park. The walk features 12 world-class sculptures prominently placed among Oak Park's many shops and restaurants.

Join the Joliet Slammers for affordable, family fun all summer long! Parking is free or you can take the train to beautiful Silver Cross Field located in downtown Joliet, IL. Special promotions for this event include Opening Night festivities and two dollar tickets ($2 Tuesday)! The Joliet Slammers are a professional baseball team based in Joliet, IL that play in the independent Frontier League. Home games are played at Silver Cross Field in Joliet. They are the 2011 Frontier League champions.

The Frederick Law Olmsted Society is pleased to offer great opportunities to learn about our historic landmark village. Discover the winding roads, delightful parks, beautiful landscapes, varied architecture and much more!

Tour the Pollyanna Brewing Company brewery along the I&M Canal,enjoy our tap room,share the experience of fresh, flavorful, craft beer-locally in Lemont, Illinois. Pollyanna Brewing Company experiments with local fruits and spices, seasonal lagers, barrel-aging, wild yeast and bacteria, and cider-beers on occasion.

A beloved holiday tradition is coming to Naper Settlement in Naperville. Experience a traditional German holiday market with all the sights, sounds, and magic as well as delicious smells and treats, wonderful handmade ornaments and gifts. Traditional wooden huts will be filled with one-of-a-kind gifts including woodcarvings and delicious German delicacies harkening back to the original Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremburg, Germany. Open November 25 - December 24

Head to the Depot District for the 9th Annual Cruise Nites presented by Berwyn Kia, Paisans Pizzeria & Bar, Mike & Sons Auto Services, Cicero Auto Parts, Deece Automotive! Cruise Nites take place on Tuesdays from 6-9pm in the Depot District at Windsor & Grove Avenues steps away from the Berwyn Metra Station. Enjoy your summe evenings while taking a stroll through a combination of car show and nightlife.

Seeking a way to announce the emerging Arts District, galleries and building owners in partnership with the Oak Park Arts Council inaugurated Art on Harrison in 1995. Conceived of as an informal Friday evening gallery walk, the event has continued each September since its inception, expanding to include entertainment and performances at participating galleries. Come out and see what the area has to offer in a convivial atmosphere, a celebration of what the creative spirits of this community have accomplished.

"Best in the Midwest or Anywhere" monthly Flea Market with more than 1000 dealers displaying and selling antiques, collectibles & Fancy Junque. The monthly Flea Market is held the first Sunday of each month and the preceding Saturday. Food served all day.

Head to the Depot District on Tuesday, August 6th for a combination of car show and nightlife. Evening begins at 6pm in the Depot District at Windsor & Grove Avenues steps away from the Berwyn Metra Station.

Come down to the Depot District and enjoy Cruise Nites with other families, residents and car enthusiasts. Learn more about Berwyn's proud classic car culture and historical automotive heritage. Cruise Nites are free! Just show up and have a great time!

Join us on Tuesday, August 6th from 12-9pm for Downtown Oak Park's authentic urban French Street Festival! Featuring: art exhibits by local artists, special showing of a French film, Can-Can dancers, French music by "Paris La Nuit," Poodle Parade, French lessons, Fresh made crepes, Wine tastings, Sidewalk chalk contest, Bike Rentals, and much more!

Amadeus, the renowned tale of Mozart as seen through the eyes of his most envious competitor, composer Antonio Salieri. The play is an interesting representative style of the style and values of the time. Jeff Recommended!

An exciting weekend workshop, just for dancers ages 8-13! Camp PULSE features the masterminds behind your favorite Nickelodeon and Disney TV Shows and Movies, including: Shake It Up, iCarly, Camp Rock, Victorious, High School Musical, Hannah Montana, and MORE! Dancers and teachers walk away from our conventions inspired and motivated to reach their next goals in dance. Our faculty and staff are proud of their dedication to building genuine relationships through personal interaction with dancers, parents and teachers. We realize there are many options out there for a dancer’s education, and we hope you will join us for a dance experience of a lifetime!

Explore the power of play at the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago’s new temporary exhibition, Brick by Brick, opening March 10. Brick by Brick features a spectacular collection of more than a dozen LEGO®-built structures of engineering marvels, including a 60-foot-long Golden Gate Bridge, the International Space Station, St. Louis Gateway Arch, Hoover Dam, Roman Colosseum, the Burj Khalifa and more. These models are constructed by LEGO Certified Professional and Chicago native, Adam Reed Tucker. Guests will also experience hands-on building challenges that reinforce key principles of engineering, construction and architecture—and encourage creativity. Throughout the exhibit, guests learn how architects and engineers push the limits of design, materials and location to make the seemingly impossible, possible; witness how form follows function; and learn how building beautifully uplifts us all.

Hours: Sat. 12-5, Sun.7-4. Admission:$5 adults, children 12 and younger, free. "The Best in the Midwest or Anywhere" - Up to 1,000 dealers display and sell antiques, collectibles, & fancy junque. A country breakfast is served on Sundays

Shakespeare 400 Chicago is a yearlong international arts festival in 2016 celebrating the vibrancy, relevance and reach of Shakespeare. As the world commemorates the four hundred years since Shakespeare’s death in 1616, Shakespeare 400 Chicago will engage more than 500,000 Chicagoans and visitors to our City through 850 events.

Holiday Lights at Mooseheart is one of Chicagoland’s largest light displays! The lighted route is approximately 1.8 miles and has more than 80 lighted displays to view! Features include: Santa visit, crafts, games, hot cocoa and cookies in the fieldhouse free for those who have paid the per car entrance fee. Don’t forget your camera! All proceeds will be directed to Mooseheart’s operation budget and provide for the high quality residential care and academic/vocational training that their children need.

Chicagoland's longest-running lights festival is back and ready to dazzle families with more than one million LED lights. Brookfield Zoo's 35th annual Holiday Magic, presented by ComEd and Meijer, offers guests 12 enchanted evenings to enjoy the lights, and so much more, from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays December 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, and the week of December 26-31. For more information and a complete schedule of Holiday Magic activities and entertainment, visit CZS.org/HolidayMagic or call 708.688.8000. Guests will also receive a schedule of events when they arrive.

These shows are the best places for the general public and breeders alike to come out & meet many of the World's top reptile breeders. Reptile breeders bring out their top projects & showcase them at the NARBC Shows.The shows also provide a chance to meet some of your favorite TV personalities such as Mark O'Shea, Nigel Marven, Donald Schultz, Ton Jones and a few up and comers that you will soon be watching on Animal Planet and Discovery Channel! We welcome you get up close and personal with some of the rarest and also some of the best "beginner pet" reptiles the reptile breeding community has to offer!

Chicago Premium Outlets is the largest outlet center in the Chicago market and ninth largest outdoor outlet mall in North America. With more than 140 designer and top brand-name outlets, the newly-expanded Chicago Premium Outlets® is being pegged by many as the market’s must-shop destination this holiday season. Holiday shoppers at Chicago Premium Outlets will find seasonal delights at every turn, like cozy warming lounges serving complimentary hot cocoa on select days and look for Santa to be strolling the promenades handing out goodies to children. Weekend Shopper Shuttle service from Union Station to Chicago Premium Outlets available. (Check their web site for more details.)

All aboard! Take a magical ride on the Holiday Express train. You’ll see Lake Gregory and Blackberry Farm in all its holiday glory amid the twinkling lights and songs of Christmas. Back in the village, enjoy storytelling of the classics, festive decorations, reindeer food bar, hay wagon rides and a visit with Santa! And don’t miss the famous Adventure Playground – decorated as Candy Cane Village! It all happens on 8 magical days in December. Admission is just $5 per person. Tasty concessions with seasonal favorites and drinks (non-alcoholic) available for purchase. Fridays: 5 - 8 pm. Saturdays: 2 - 6 pm. Sundays: 2 - 6 pm. Pre-purchase tickets online and avoid lines at the ticket window.

This drive-through is where neighborhood residents display a part of the original Christmas story includes lights, sound and all the biblical characters: wise men, camels, shepherds, sheep and manger scene. Peanuts characters with Charlie Brown follow on Lehnertz Circle. All lighted and all free! (Lehnertz is recognized as the oldest, totally free traditional Christmas display in Illinois.) Crib Blessing scheduled 6:00 pm on the second Sunday of December. Enter Lehnertz Avenue via Sheridan Street, follow through Lehnertz Circle and exit via Ohio Street.

Discover the magic of Chicago's mysterious 1893 World's Fair through the eyes of a child in the Joffrey's astounding new Nutcracker -- brilliantly reimagined by Tony Award®-winning choreographer Wheeldon. Be part of dance history as they celebrate this beloved city and unlock a world of wonder for the 21st century. An electrifying holiday tale that will leave you breathless.

The sixth annual Tinley Park Golf Expo will be held at the Tinley Park Convention Center from February 10-12, 2017. It is open to the public and provides the golf community with a fresh, exciting option for a winter golf show.

Fountain Square Art Festival is the largest and oldest fine arts fair on Chicago's majestic North Shore. Featuring the eclectic works of more than 150 juried artists, a popular children's art tent with fun activities overseen by the acclaimed Evanston Art Center, food and a soothing jazz-centric music lineup. Location: Church & Sherman in Downtown Evanston.

See Siberian husky sled pulling, skijoring, and speed demonstrations. Visit with the dogs and sled team, inspect the equipment, and have your photo taken with the rig during this yearly event. Please leave pets at home.

Step out of the cold and into a winter wonderland filled with LEGO brick. Throughout the month of December, young brick fans are invited to play seasonal games and deck the halls with loads of brick-tastic holiday fun!

The 2017 NCAA National Golf Championships will be held at Rich Harvest Farms and hosted for the first time by Northern Illinois University, with play taking place from May 19-24 (women) and May 26-31 (men). Sugar Grove will be only the third Illinois city to host the Division I Golf Championships. Cook County’s Olympia Fields Country Club hosted the men’s championship in 1943, while Conway Farms Golf Club outside of Chicago played host to the men’s as well in 1997.

John Binder, a local mob historian and author of "The Chicago Outfit", conducts the popular There Goes the Neighbor Hood tour. Running from early spring to late fall each year, the tour showcases local gangster history through Oak Park and River Forest with visits to 15 houses that were once occupied by major mobsters. Binder sprinkles in facts about the criminal careers of the former owners, unique features of each home, and rare information about the family's time spent there.The tour lasts approximately two hours and travels by minibus with no walking required. The tour departs from (and returns to) the Oak Park Visitor Center.

It might be the nicest apartment in the building, but it can’t possibly be enough to make up for the day that Annie has had. A nasty breakup, an on-air meltdown, and a fledgling romance have left her faithless and heartbroken. So when a simple visit from an enigmatic new neighbor starts to change things for the better, Annie has to ask: is it fate? Luck? Or… divine intervention? The cast includes Wardell Clark, Peter DeFaria, Jose Tony Garcia, Eleni Pappageorge, and Daniel Smith. The playwright, Jeff Daniels, is the award-winning actor and musician known for his role on The Newsroom.

Above and Beyond offers guests the opportunity to explore innovations in aviation and aerospace, from the first powered flights to space travel, through hands-on experiences and virtual simulations. In Above and Beyond, guests can learn about the scientific principles that allow us to fly and explore farther through exhibition features such as a group flying experience with motion-sensing technology that simulates the flight of a bird in a flock; a simulated space elevator that transports guests to the edge of space; a virtual design challenge that allows guests to create and race their own supersonic fighter-jet against other pilots; and more. Throughout Above and Beyond, guests explore the scientific concepts behind flight and learn how humans continue to discover innovative ways to fly faster and higher, challenging the limits of both our world and outer space.

The Schaumburg Dance Ensemble’s annual production of the Nutcracker continues to delight audiences of all ages. A corps of professional dancers leads a large cast in Tchaikovsky’s magical ballet, following the dreamlike adventures of a young girl who, with the help of an enchanting toymaker, encounters leaping Russians, waltzing flowers, twirling snowflake maidens and more. Complete with grand sets and vibrant costumes, this Nutcracker is not to be missed. Friday, Saturday and Sunday showings only.

One of Andersonville’s many traditional Swedish events, St. Lucia begins with a torch-lit procession down the sidewalks of Clark Street at 4:45 p.m., kicking off at the Swedish American Museum, 5211 N. Clark St. The procession highlight is the appearance of the specially chosen “Lucia Girls,” who will lead the crowd, wearing long white robes and beautiful crowns of candles and singing “The Lucia Song.” Children and adults are welcome to join in the procession. Afterwards, all participants are invited to the Lucia celebration at the Swedish American Museum. The Lucia celebration features a telling of the Lucia legend, family entertainment by Dream Big Performing Arts, and Swedish holiday treats including traditional “pepparkakor” ginger snaps. Admission is $1 or can of food to benefit Care for Real, Edgewater’s food pantry.

For the first time this holiday season, Santa’s Magical Trolley Express will have trolley rides through downtown Evanston, and then travel back to Santa’s North Pole workshop at Little Beans Café. The odyssey begins when the little ones board the trolley. They will be greeted by Mrs. Claus and the conductor, professional performers who know how to entertain kids, and build excitement as they journey north on their polar trek. Upon arrival at Santa’s North Pole abode—Little Beans Café—they will visit with old St. Nick, get a picture and let Santa know what they hope to find under the tree. Next comes cookies and cocoa with Mrs. Claus, some exciting Yuletide games with the elves and a special surprise.

The blockbuster Disney movie comes to life in this awe-inspiring Paramount production that is perfect for the young and the young at heart. This is the kind of production that has the Paramount creative team chomping at the bit. Bringing the underwater surroundings to life, creating the costumes that transform humans into creatures, developing a system that will allow mermaids to swim and arranging a score for the Paramount orchestra that will give audiences chills are exactly the challenges they thrive on. No matter your age, no matter your experience with the story, no matter if you believe in mermaids or not, when that curtain goes up, you will want to be in your seats to experience this production.

Are you a procrastinator when it comes to holiday shopping? Are you at your most productive when the stress of a quickly approaching holiday is giving you a little extra motivation? Then join us for our second night of Late Night Andersonville, just a little “late-er” than usual. On Friday, December 16 from 6-10pm, take advantage of 4 more hours of the same discounts from Late Night Andersonville, plus once again enjoy free entertainment, refreshments, and pictures with Santa.

Chicago Theatre Week is a celebration of Chicago’s world-class theatre scene. Presented by the League of Chicago Theatres in partnership with Choose Chicago, Chicago Theatre Week is returning for its fifth year and will take place February 9-19, 2017. This February, visitors and residents will again have the opportunity to choose from more than 100 productions and sample the extraordinary range of theatrical offerings in Chicago. February 9 – 19, 2017. $15 and $30 tickets (or less!)

Step into the fantastical imagination of Maurice Sendak, author and illustrator of the beloved children’s book, Where the Wild Things Are. In this special exhibit, you’ll explore 50 original artworks by the creative genius, including sketches, illustrations and works on paper. Presidents, illustrators, friends and celebrities also share their words about the renowned author—how he influenced their careers and touched their lives.

Welcome warmer weather and shake off cabin fever during Naper Settlement’s annual tribute to the changing of the seasons. Learn the time-honored method of collecting sap the old-fashioned way and see a maple tree tapping demonstration. Enjoy hands-on activities and presentations that recount Illinois’ Native American heritage and pioneer past and try a tasty maple treat. Each of the historic buildings will have a different theme and special activities for families to enjoy.

Begin your evening of fun and adventure with dinner at the Jacob Henry Mansion but-don't plan on leaving until you have solved the mysterious Murder Mystery! The theme revolves around the 1920 era and dress from that period is encouraged. Costumes add to add to the festivities, but are not necessary. We will meet you at the Town Meeting at the Jacob Henry Mansion for a fun filled, lighthearted, personalized package where guests unknowingly become entangled in an intriguing web of drama and suspense as they become victims - the suspects - or the "KILLER."

Visitors will welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus as they arrive at Montgomery City Hall on a fire truck! Enjoy free cookies and hot cocoa. See the brightly decorated Christmas trees and vote for your favorite. Be sure to dress for the weather and bring your camera! Trees will be on display on December 4 and will remain on display and voting through December 22.

The annual Discover Tinley Expo showcases the community's business and nonprofit organizations, as well as its government services. Visit Discover Tinley to learn more about what your Village has to offer. This free event features entertainment, food samples and giveaways at many of the booths. 10AM-3PM

Features Shattered the 3D nightmare, ranked Top 13 3D Haunt in the World by Haunted Attraction Magazine. Terrifying...not for the faint of heart. Enter at your own risk. Open year-round. Recommended for ages 13 and older.

The Garfield Park Conservatory, considered the largest indoor conservatory of its kind in the country, showcases vibrant and festive flora with its annual holiday flower show. This year's exhibit, titled Sky Forest, evokes a walk through delicate wintry woods by highlighting snow-topped branches and towering fir trees. The free exhibit will run from November 24, 2016-January 8, 2017.

This internationally-acclaimed group of foot-tapping men and women is celebrating 2 decades of reels, jigs and just downright spectacular performances, so they’re dominating the Paramount stage for a full weekend of nothing but Irish dance and music. Whether you’ve seen Riverdance before or only heard about their high-energy live shows, you’ll want to see what they’ve put together for this 20th anniversary tour (let’s just say it gives the phrase “the luck of the Irish” a whole new meaning). Join the 25 million people worldwide who have witnessed history in the making. Experience Riverdance!

Two of the biggest voices in music history never had the opportunity to perform together, live in concert. Now, this is your chance to experience what it would have been like to see Ol’ Blue Eyes and Babs share the stage, right here in Aurora. The two performers paying tribute to these legends sound like Frank and Barbra, they look like Frank and Barbra, and man, will they blow your mind. They’ll cover everything from “Don’t Rain on My Parade” to “The Way You Look Tonight” and so many more of those classic tunes you know and love. This is one glamorous, heart-warming and spectacular show you won’t want to miss.

Alan Doyle, actor, producer, newly-minted best-selling author, is best-known as the lead singer for Newfoundland's beloved Great Big Sea these past 20+ years, released his second solo album, "So Let's Go..."

Mucca Pazza has been taking Chicago by storm, so what better way to celebrate Fermilab's epic 50th Anniversary! Join us for the pre-party, and come on down to the auditorium for a concert that shows the full musical range of Mucca Pazza, starting in chairs then moving to their trademark funky marching band for the second part of the evening.

DakhaBrakha is a quartet from Kiev, Ukraine. Reflecting fundamental elements of sound and soul, Ukrainian "ethno chaos" band DakhaBrakha creates a world of unexpected new music. DakhaBrakha was created in 2004 at the Kyiv Center of Contemporary Art "DAKH" by the avant-garde theatre director - Vladyslav Troitskyi - and given the name that means "give/take" in the old Ukrainian language. Theatre work has left its mark on the band performances - their shows are always staged with a strong visual element.

The Spektral Quartet returns to Fermilab for a stylistically inquisitive program centering around composers’ cunning use of the pizzicato technique. Exhilarating, lynchpin works from the repertoire, Beethoven's String Quartet Op. 74 "Harp: and Ravel's String Quartet in F major are put in dynamic conversation with Ben Hjertmann's rowdy, groove-based String Quartet No. 2, "Étude." All Chamber Series concerts begin at 2:30 p.m. in the 2nd Floor Art Gallery of Wilson Hall.

Cantigny Park’s popular LEGO® Train Show is a holiday tradition for many families. The show transforms the entire Cantigny Visitors Center into a virtual wonderland for LEGO® fans. Le Jardin, the Visitor Center’s restaurant and banquet room, is home to the primary LEGO® diorama where creative new elements are added each year. Secondary displays and a free craft activity occupy the building’s main gallery area and meeting room.

Little Matchstick Factory's The Other Mozart is the true and untold story of Nannerl Mozart, the sister of Amadeus - a prodigy, keyboard virtuoso and composer, who performed throughout Europe with her brother, to equal acclaim, but her work and her story faded away, lost to history. Created by Sylvia Milo, the monodrama is set in a stunning 18-foot dress (and based on facts, stories and lines pulled directly from the Mozart family's humorous and heartbreaking letters. With the opulent beauty of the dress and hair design, the sweet smell of perfume, and the clouds of dusting powder rising from the stage, the performance creates a multi-sensual experience and transports the audience into a world of outsized beauty and delight -- but also of overwhelming restrictions and prejudice. There, in communion with the audience, this other Mozart at last tells her story.

Immerse the whole family in the colorful, intense, theatrical world of Chinese acrobatics. The Golden Dragon Acrobats may have been touring for 30 years, but they represent a tradition that began more than 25 centuries ago. Led by world-renowned producer Danny Chang and award-winning choreographer Angela Chang, this troupe blends ancient dance, spectacular costumes, contemporary music and incredible athleticism into a full-on extravaganza of movement. They glide across the stage with unimaginable gracefulness. They twist and contort their bodies in ways you didn’t think were possible. They perform stunts that will simultaneously make your heart thump and mesmerize you. On top of all that, it’s an awesome opportunity to introduce the kids in your life to a rich, 2,500 year-old culture. Performance at 3pm.

Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Rickie Lee Jones has been called “an original,” “a cult heroine” and “one of the best-if not the best-artist of her generation.” But it’s not only her hits songs like “Chuck E’s in Love,” “Last Chance Texaco” and “On Saturday Afternoons in 1963” that made Rickie a star. Her hip, poetic style, both on and off the stage, turned Rickie into a cultural icon. Atlantic Records A&R rep first heard Madeleine Peyroux is known for melding jazz, blues and pop into songs, like her haunting rendition of Leonard Cohen’s “Dance Me to the End of Love,” that leave listeners in total awe.

This beloved American holiday classic comes to the stage as a 1940’s radio broadcast. With the help of the signature 40’s sound-effects, actors bring us Capra’s unforgettable story. George Bailey lives his life selflessly, always putting others before himself. Wanting nothing more than to leave his hometown of Bedford Falls and see the world, George’s unwavering loyalty keeps him in the small town. Down on his luck on Christmas Eve, George considers if his family would be better off if he had never been born and with the help of an angel looking to earn his wings, George discovers just how much he has influenced the small town of Bedford Falls. A touching and timeless story for the whole family. See website for exact dates and showtimes.

The Park District of Oak Park presents Winter Fest, a free family-friendly event at the expansive space of Taylor Park. Enjoy games in the snow, horse-drawn carriage rides, roasting s'mores around a campfire, festive tunes, sledding, rich hot chocolate, and more at this beloved annual event!

43 years at the Kane County Fairgrounds, this international show draws exhibitors from Europe, Japan, Canada, all over the US. Antiques, collectibles, toys, dolls from the late 1800's to those just off the shelves today. 600 exhibitors. Admission; $10; Children free. Free parking

The Cernan Earth & Space Center, a unique and sprawling space-age facility conveniently located on the Triton College campus in River Grove, combines education and entertainment with shows year round. The special seasonal exhibit, called Holiday Lights, is a jaw-dropping cosmic light show featuring carefully selected holiday tunes accompanied by thousands of starry and brilliantly lit images. Meant to evoke the feeling of a wintry night sky full of drifting snowflakes, Holiday Lights will have the entire family feeling the holiday spirit!

Hear that? Yes, it's the sound of bells a-jingling already. Next thing you know dreidels are spinning and pumpkin-spiced everything is everywhere. Now your family is in town, you're numbed to frosty snowmen and Black Friday bargains...and it's not even December! Thankfully The Second City is here with the perfect upheaval of your holiday malaise: Holidazed bursts the monotony of the season with a riotous send-up of all things holiday. Put your turkey baster down and laugh until your cheeks flush with ho-ho-holidazed joy!

Celebrate the holiday season the old-fashioned way in the heart of Oak Park at Home for the Holidays, a free and family-friendly annual event. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride down festively decorated brick roads, visit with Santa, explore the area's eclectic lineup of charming shops, catch a free movie screening of a holiday favorite at the Lake Theatre, and more! All events and activities are free.

The dramatic story behind one of the world’s most notorious escaped Nazi war criminals being brought to justice is told using recently declassified artifacts from the Mossad, Israel’s Secret Intelligence Service. This is the first time this exhibition has ever left the State of Israel and the first exhibition in the United States to fully document the pursuit, capture, extradition and 1961 trial of a principal perpetrator of The Final Solution.

Piano sensation and popular radio host Jim Brickman will be bringing songs and feelings of the season to Dominican University's Performing Arts Center with Comfort & Joy, his 2016 holiday tour and the 20th anniversary of his original Christmas concert. Combining beloved holiday classics and festive original compositions, Brickman's enchanting sound and presence evokes the warm sentiments of family and togetherness.Tickets range from $23 to $53 and are available at www.events.dom.edu.

Head to the Kohl Children's Museum in Glenview for its newest exhibit: Children's China. Children’s China portrays the present-day activities that Chinese families practice, as well as their roots in Confucius’ teachings. Read Confucius’ quotes, explore hands-on activities, and immerse yourself in innovative technology and authentic artifacts to gain an understanding of Confucius' impact on modern Chinese life.

The two-time Emmy and Grammy award-winning comedian is a towering figure on television, on tour and in publishing. She breaks through the entertainment clutter with her universally recognized brand of pull-no-punches comedy. See her perform at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie on February 18.

Update, renovate & remodel home surroundings with The Old House New House Home Show. See the latest in home improvements and explore exhibits from 300 select experts. Enjoy inspiring, idea-sparking daily workshops. A portion of the ticket proceeds benefits The Habitat for Humanity.

Back by popular request, it's The Three Celli, performing a mix of music for one, two or three celli by some of the area's finest musicians. Stephen Balderston, former Assistant Principal Cello of the Chicago Symphony, is the Professor of Cello at DePaul University. Prior to joining the CSO in 1993, he performed for ten years with the Saint Louis Symphony. Linc Smelser, a member of the Grant Park Symphony Orchestra, is on the faculty of Northern Illinois University as well as the Music Director of the Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra. Brant Taylor, a former member of the Saint Louis Symphony, has been a member of the Chicago Symphony since the 1997-1998 season. He also teaches at Roosevelt University's Chicago College of the Performing Arts and performs with the band Pink Martini. All Chamber Series concerts begin at 2:30 p.m. in the 2nd Floor Art Gallery of Wilson Hall.

Two-time Grammy award-winner Kacey Musgraves will be ringing in this holiday season by launching her very first Christmas Headling tour, which will feature Kacey showcasing songs off her upcoming debut Christmas album, A Very Kacey Christmas. The tour will hit iconic venues throughout the US including the historic Rialto Square Theatre.